Grotto Falls Trail

Grotto Falls Trail is a 2.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until November. Horses are also able to use this trail.

kid friendly

hiking

horseback riding

nature trips

walking

bird watching

forest

river

views

waterfall

wild flowers

wildlife

muddy

over grown

rocky

washed out

no dogs

An easy to moderate hike that is popular with families. The highlight is Grotto Falls, under which the trail continues.
Accessed via the Trillium Gap Trailhead, this is a cool, well-shaded hike with gentle elevation gains. The only difficulties are numerous rocks and roots that just require you to watch your step.
The road to the trailhead is closed sometimes due to weather. In those cases, use this route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/trillium-gap-trail-to-grotto-falls

From Gatlinburg Parkway, turn at Light 8 turn onto Historic Nature Trail / Airport Rd. After about 2/3-mile, Keep right on Cherokee Orchard Rd., entering Great Smoky Mountain NP. Drive another 2.2 miles onto one-way Cherokee Orchard Loop. Drive 0.9 miles before right turn onto Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The parking lot is on the left side after about 1.6 miles.

16 parking spaces. Overflow requires a lot of patience or creativity since you are on a narrow, one-way road. Restrooms are in the parking area.

Nice hike through some really nice woods. Overall the trail is probably easy-moderately difficult. The waterfall activity before the top keeps you going and the big waterfall at the top is really nice. Trail had a few trees down that will need to be cleared and there were a few water crossings when we did the hike. We had light snowfall and some of the trail was snow covered. Overall we enjoyed the trail.

2/3 of the way is pretty basic. The last 1/3 was more fun. Stepping through and over more creeks, trees, rocks. The terrain became more intense. Once I reached the waterfall, the temperature had dropped and the rocks were iced over. It was beautiful, very private and reclusive.

The road to the trailhead was closed when we attempted on 12/15/18. I believe you can get to this trail by starting on the Rainbow Falls trailhead and branching off to the left for the Grotto Falls trail, but it’ll tack on another couple miles to your hike. We ended up taking the Rainbow Falls trail instead since it was the same distance.

Wife & I did this hike after a day of heavy rain, and the falls were really pouring! Much heavier than in any of the photos we’d seen.
Also due to the rain, the several side stream crossings weren’t the easy rock hop they probably are under normal conditions. A couple of strategically placed footlogs – so common on other trails throughout the park – would be welcome here.
The trail was extremely muddy because of all the rain; even without the mud, this trail definitely shows signs of heavy use.
Encountered a young couple on the trail with their dog, and had to politely let them know that dogs aren’t allowed on most hiking trails within the park.
We were hoping to cross paths with the llama train, but no such luck.
As always, carry – and drink – plenty of water, and take some energy snacks (or lunch) to enjoy at the falls before heading back to the trailhead or on up to Le Conte Lodge. Even though much of this trail is shaded, sunscreen is never a bad idea. And bug spray is probably advisable during the warmer months.
Parking lot isn’t terribly large, so plan to arrive early or be prepared for a walk to the trailhead.

We just hiked this trail on 11/23. There were 7 of us, 4 adults and 3 kids. It was definitely a fun trail. The falls were gorgeous. Lots of places for the kids to explore and climb. We turned back after the falls (the kids couldn't handle another 5 miles to LeConte). Lots of roots and rocks but overall an easy hike. It was VERY muddy in some areas but nothing that a good pair of waterproof hiking boots couldn't handle. The only thing was, with it being Thanksgiving week it was VERY crowded. Way too many people to the point where it was difficult to maneuver around everyone at the falls. I highly recommend this trail, just not during a heavy tourist season.

John S.

hiking

2 months ago

We loved this hike and you can walk behind the falls! We hiked it the day after Thanksgiving with our 8/11 yr old boys. We got there about 9:30 and it wasn’t too busy until we made our our way down, it took us just over two hours including time at the falls. You cross several small streams on the way up and the falls are gorgeous. There are numerous spots you have to walk over areas of roots which could be challenging for some but the trail has some great views of ridges and areas that are dense with rhododendrons along the sides of the path and hills which I’m sure are even more amazing when in bloom. We saw people of all ages on the hike so I’d rate it as easy but do recommend hiking boots as it can be muddy and wet. The drive out of the park was stunning and is worth the drive even if you don’t do the hike. You pass many smaller falls, cross single track bridges and pass Cade’s Cove I believe (we didn’t have time for this). We did Rainbow Falls a few days before which is about 5.6 miles in and out but the scenery on this hike is on par with Rainbow and shorter if pressed for time or not up for the longer uphill hike.

Easy trail filled with families and presumably first time hikers, AKA no hiking etiquette what so ever. Quick and easy to get to the waterfall, keep following the trail past the waterfall for peaceful hiking. I suggest doing this early am or before sunset to beat the crowds and ease of parking. Would not do again or recommend to friends

Very beautiful, not difficult, and good for kids. Bring extra socks and shoes as it gets muddy and slippery and your socks will get soaked. At least one bottle of water per person. Get there early like 7-8am or you won’t find parking.

Nice hike. It was the only blue sky day of the week. We got to the parking area about 10:00 am and did find a parking spot. There is a bath room at the trail head. It was fairly busy to the falls. Easy to moderate. The falls is beautiful and it’s cool that the Trillium trail passes behind it. We had a snack there and continued up the trail another mile or so towards LeConte. Here, we were wonderfully alone. This trail is much less traveled. Only saw a group of 6 people coming down from the Lodge. The snow line started around 4000 ft. I found some neat ice needles forming in the mud at the base of some of the fallen tree roots. We turned around at a river crossing around 4500 ft. There are several turn of the century log homesteads on the motor trail that are interesting history to spend time at on your return to Gatlinburg.

Beautiful hike this time of year! The GOLDEN canopy of fall foliage was.breathtaking.The Gift at the end of the climb is walking behind the Falls. I captured some mesmerizing photos on the way back down at sunset looking over the mountains.Great hike for ALL.

Beautiful hike that took about 3 hours total there and back with two young kids. The falls were pretty full bc of the recent rain but we were still able to walk behind the falls. The kiddos enjoyed hopping from rock to rock and jumping over roots.

This was a beautiful hike, we had our 2.5 yr old and 1 yr old and they loved it. The falls were amazing, the trail was a bit crowded and parking was the biggest challenge. At the top by the falls it was quite slippery which made wearing the kids a bit more difficult but worth it!

Hiked this with our three kids (8, 7, and 3 ( in a backpack carrier)). The kids absolutely loved the waterfall area. The trail was a moderate climb for our family with just a few spots that were challenging for the kids due to slippery conditions.

The hike was great. Definitely come early to get parking since it’s limited. I would also rate it a moderate hike. Good hike for families to bring kids. The falls was beautiful. Saw two salamanders when I got it the falls.